Today Date Triggered Content

Most people find themselves comparing their children’s development at some point. It might be when you see a few videos of babies rolling in your WhatsApp group, or a ‘helpful’ relative reminds you that your cousin’s toddler can already have a full conversation. Even when you’re determined not to compare, it’s hard not to get pulled in. Our journey is designed to help you stop comparing and instead see and support your child’s progress.  

Simple things often are the best, and that applies to play too. As is gets towards the end of the summer holidays, we thought we’d share some ways to use one of our favourite playthings – the humble cardboard box 

If you have a big cardboard box you might not need any of these ideas, because children of all ages love getting in a box, or filling it with some of their favourite things.  

As you emerged from your newborn bubble, you probably found yourself thinking more about your baby’s play. What should you be doing to keep them entertained and support their development? We’ve got that covered on your activities page, full of play ideas linked to the skills your child is learning now. Over time, especially if you’re looking for childcare or even thinking about school, you can find yourself wondering if you should be following a particular approach to learning such as Montessori, Forest Schools or something else.  

There is lots to think about when it comes to child development and ways of learning. Social media and the ability to see what other families are doing can add to the pressure parents feel to pick one way, and follow it closely. We know this isn't something that works for everyone - and we know the reality is that most of us end up taking aspects of lots of different approaches and weaving them into our day in a way which works for us.  

Nursery rhymes – some parents love them, and some don’t... but babies, toddlers and even older children often find them irresistible making a rhyme time-type group an ideal way to fill long days together. Over the summer lots of these groups will have paused, so we’ve been sharing ways to create your own mini-versions at home.  

This week it is all about rhymes and songs, with ideas for all ages which can be done one-on-one with your little one or with a group of friends.  

The book Flow: The Psychology of Happiness by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi was published in 2002.^[1] Since its publication finding ways to achieve flow has been the focus of research in everything from sport to workplace performance, and recently in parenting.  

Flow is achieved when you’re fully involved in what you’re doing, to the point where you don’t notice time passing. Activities where you experience flow feel good!  

It can be easy to forget to walk – not as in not knowing how, but that when life is busy sometimes it’s just easier to jump in the car or on a bus to get from A to B. We know walking with a toddler or young child can make getting where you need to be slower, but if you have a bit more time why not try some of these ideas to get everyone walking. 

Giving your child the chance to walk when you’re going out, rather than going in a buggy or in the car, helps to build their strength and stamina, supports a healthy heart and creates good habits for the future.  

This week is zero waste week – a week focused on encouraging everyone to reduce the waste that ends up in landfill. While actually achieving zero waste might feel unrealistic, if you’ve looked round your home and wondered how you already have so many toys (lots that aren’t played with anymore), you might be ready for some zero waste play ideas.  

As always, if you’re going to give your child anything to play with that isn’t a toy check it is safe for them and their current skills and be there to supervise their play.  

There are 14 million grandparents in the UK, and almost two-thirds of grandparents regularly look after their grandchildren.^[1] We know experiences in early childhood are important for lifelong learning, health and wellbeing, so scientists have started to look at the role grandparents play in children’s development.^[2] We decided to look at what science tell us about grandparents. 

The first important point is that there needs to be much more research into the role grandparents play in children’s lives. Despite growing interest in their role, research studies are often small, and focus on grandmothers rather than on all grandparents.^[2]  

“Don’t assume that your parents (because they’re your parents and you love them) are on the same wavelength that you are.” 

Join Alistair and Jennie for our newest podcast episode to hear why grandparents are important in children’s development, how to have realistic expectations of your parents as grandparents, and what to do when you have a difference of opinion in child-rearing, as well as five ways grandparents enrich young children’s lives. 

World Photo Day takes place on 19th August every year, and is a day devoted to celebrating the history of photography. This year’s theme is ‘Understanding clouds’ and we thought it could be perfect inspiration for a weekend of fun and learning!